IRCC Just Updated Canada’s Immigration Backlog And It's Still Over 1 Million

Last Updated On 21 January 2026, 1:00 PM EST (Toronto Time)

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Canada’s latest IRCC “application inventories” update (released January 20, 2026, reflecting files as of November 30, 2025) shows the overall backlog is essentially flat at just over 1.0 million cases.

The pressure has shifted deeper into permanent residence—especially Express Entry and Express Entry–aligned PNP streams.

IRCC is now managing 2,130,700 total applications across citizenship, permanent residence, and temporary residence.

Of these, 1,005,800 are beyond service standards (the backlog), which works out to about 47.2% of the total inventory.

Compared with the previously reported snapshot (October 31, 2025), the backlog barely moved, but category-level movement is meaningful.

Snapshot: October 31 vs November 30

Processing breakdown	Nov 30, 2025	Oct 31, 2025	Month-On-Month Change
Inventory	2,130,700	2,182,200	-51,500
Backlog	1,005,800	1,006,800	-1,000
Within service standards	1,124,900	1,175,500	-50,600
Backlog %	47.2%	46.1%	1.1%

IRCC flags these datasets as approximate, with privacy-driven rounding and suppression in certain tables.

Category-by-category: where the backlog is moving

What stands out in November is a classic “offset” pattern: temporary residence improves, but permanent residence worsens.

Permanent residence is now the main pressure point

As of November 30, 2025, IRCC had 941,600 permanent residence applications in inventory.

Of these, 515,000 were backlogged and 426,600 were within service standards.

Relative to October 31 backlog data, PR inventory rose (928,800 → 941,600) and the PR backlog increased sharply (501,300 → 515,000).

Processing breakdown	Nov 30, 2025	Oct 31, 2025	Month-on-month change
Inventory	942,000	999,100	-57,100
Backlog	434,400	450,700	-16,300
Within service standards	507,600	548,500	-40,900
Backlog %	46.1%	45.1%	1.0%

This aligns with the program-level backlog trend on January 20, 2026:

Express Entry backlog climbed from 27% in October 2025 to 32% in November 2025.
Express Entry–aligned PNP backlog rose from 51% in October 2025 to 53% in November 2025.
Family sponsorship (spouses/partners/children outside Quebec) held at 20% in October and November 2025.

The net message: IRCC’s PR workload is growing even as the overall system inventory falls, and the backlog share is rising most visibly in high-volume economic pathways.

Or it could be because IRCC already has enough permanent residency applications processed to meet the annual targets set by the immigration levels plan 2026.

Temporary residence is improving, but visitor visas remain heavily backlogged

IRCC reported 942,000 temporary residence applications in inventory as of November 30 (down from 999,100 at the end of October).

Processing breakdown	Nov 30, 2025	Oct 31, 2025	Month-on-month change
Inventory	942,000	999,100	-57,100
Backlog	434,400	450,700	-16,300
Within service standards	507,600	548,500	-40,900
Backlog %	46.1%	45.1%	1.0%

Within temporary residence:

434,400 were backlogged and 507,600 were within standards.
Study permit backlog improved materially, falling from 41% in October 2025 to 36% in November 2025.
Work permit backlog eased slightly from 50% in October 2025 to 49% in November 2025.
Visitor visa backlog stayed stuck at 57% (third month in a row, per the summary of the same IRCC dataset).

This is a key insight: study permits are the clearest month-over-month improvement in November as Canada tightens intake of international students, while visitor visas remain the most persistently clogged temporary stream, possibly due to the FIFA 2026 world cup now.

Citizenship is rising again

As of November 30, IRCC had 247,100 citizenship grant applications in inventory, with 56,400 backlogged and 190,700 within standards.

Processing breakdown	Nov 30, 2025	Oct 31, 2025	Change
Inventory	247,100	254,300	-7,200
Backlog	56,400	54,800	1,600
Within service standards	190,700	199,500	-8,800
Backlog %	22.8%	21.5%	1.3%

That represents:

A higher backlog share (about 23%) than earlier in 2025, and
An increase from October’s backlog level in your referenced INC News report (54,800 → 56,400).

IRCC’s own backlog trend shows the citizenship grant backlog at 22% in October 2025 and 23% in November 2025.

The hidden driver: fewer new students and workers are entering the system

IRCC’s latest data also shows a steep drop in new arrivals due to the capping of new international students and foreign workers, which helps explain why parts of temporary residence are cooling even while PR pressure grows.

Key points from the IRCC:

Total new student + worker arrivals between January and November 2025 were 52% lower than the same period in 2024 (down 334,845).
New student arrivals were 60% lower over the same period.
New worker arrivals were 47% lower over the same period.

Even with the arrival drop, the in-Canada stock remains large:

People holding only a study permit: 476,330 in Canada as of November 30, 2025.
People holding only a work permit: 1,491,500 in Canada as of November 30, 2025.

This is the structural shift IRCC is telegraphing: reduce fresh temporary inflows while leaning harder on “in-Canada transitions” to permanent residence—an approach that is also one of the contributing factors to the increase in PR workload even when temporary intake slows.

IRCC’s asylum trends show declines in multiple channels:

IRCC states 33% fewer people submitted an asylum claim between January 1 and November 30, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Claims tied to TRV holders: IRCC reports a 55% drop in November 2025 compared with the same time last year.
Crossings between ports of entry: IRCC cites a reduction from an average of 165 people per day (March 2023) to now 13 people per day.

The monthly table also shows the national total declining from 9,145 in October 2025 to 7,805 in November 2025 (a drop of 1,340 in one month).

While asylum processing sits in a different operational lane than Express Entry or study permits, lower claim volumes reduce immediate strain on certain intake, eligibility, and downstream processing resources—especially when combined with tighter TRV scrutiny and border policy changes cited by IRCC.

What the comparison with the previous data tells you

Based on IRCC’s December 16 release (reflecting October 31, 2025 data) framed the moment of a backlog “surge” with the system back over 1 million backlogged files.

Program (backlog rate)	Nov 2025	Oct 2025	Change
Express Entry	32%	27%	5%
PNP (Express Entry aligned)	53%	51%	2%
Family sponsorship (spouses/partners/children outside Quebec)	20%	20%	No change
Study permits	36%	41%	-5%
Work permits (excluding extensions)	49%	50%	-1%
Temporary resident visas (TRV)	57%	57%	No change

The newest update confirms that:

The backlog level is still effectively “over 1 million” (1,005,800).
But the story is now composition, not just size:
- Temporary residence backlog is shrinking month-over-month.
- Permanent residence backlog is rising and is now the most important constraint—especially in Express Entry and PNP-aligned streams where backlog percentages are climbing.
- Citizenship backlog continues its slow upward drift (22% → 23%).

In other words, the system is not “clearing” the backlog so much as reallocating where the backlog sits.

What does this mean for immigration applicants right now?

If you are in Express Entry or an Express Entry–aligned PNP stream, expect more variability in processing times and more sensitivity to IRCC’s internal prioritization, because backlog shares are rising (32% and 53% respectively as of November 2025).
If you are filing (or renewing) a study permit, the backlog trend improved in November (41% → 36%), which is typically a leading indicator before the processing times stabilize.
If you are applying for a visitor visa, the backlog is still unusually elevated at 57%, and it has not improved for months in the published snapshot.
If you are tracking “Canada’s immigration slowdown,” the data supports a nuanced view: new student and worker arrivals are down sharply, but PR inventories are still climbing—consistent with a strategy that shifts selection toward people already in Canada.

The most important takeaway from IRCC’s latest open-data updates is that Canada’s immigration backlog is no longer a single headline number—it is a moving pressure map.

November’s data shows temporary residence is starting to cool, asylum claim volumes are trending down, and yet permanent residence is absorbing the strain, with Express Entry and PNP-aligned streams showing the clearest warning signals.

If current patterns hold into early 2026, the public conversation will likely shift from “Is the backlog over 1 million?” to “Which programs are carrying the backlog—and who is waiting longer because of it?”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “backlog” mean in IRCC terms, and is it the same as “processing time”?

Backlog means an application has gone past IRCC’s published service standard for that type of application. Processing time is a broader estimate of how long it may take to finalize files, and it can include cases that are still within the standard. A program can show long processing times even when backlog is falling if IRCC receives a surge of new applications or if certain steps (biometrics, security screening, medicals, document verification) take longer than usual.

How can my friend’s application, filed later, be approved before mine?

IRCC does not always process strictly “first in, first out.” Files can move at different speeds based on stream, visa office workload, background checks, completeness, whether additional documents are requested, and whether a case is selected for deeper verification. Two applications that look similar on the surface can diverge quickly if one triggers extra screening or if one office has more capacity at that moment.

Does the backlog mean approvals have stopped or that refusal rates are rising?

No, a higher backlog usually signals capacity constraints, prioritization shifts, or bottlenecks in specific steps, not that approvals have stopped. Refusal rates depend on eligibility and documentation quality, not the backlog number itself. In practice, backlogs tend to increase “waiting time risk,” not “refusal risk,” unless applicants respond late to document requests or let key documents expire.

When should I escalate, and what escalation options are reasonable?

Escalation makes the most sense when your file is well beyond the posted processing time or you have a time-sensitive issue (expiring status, travel for urgent reasons, job start dates). Reasonable options include: submitting a webform with a focused request and evidence, requesting GCMS notes to understand what stage you are at, asking your MP’s office to inquire (common in Canada), or consulting a licensed professional if there is a procedural fairness letter or complex inadmissibility issue. Escalation is least effective when a file is still within normal timelines.

What is the HCCP pathway for immigration to Canada?

The Human Capital Certification Program (HCCP) pathway is an immigration route in Canada designed for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. It offers a modular learning approach, allowing participants to gain qualifications and work experience while in Canada. The program supports individuals in high-demand occupations and provides guidance on transitioning from temporary to permanent residency. For more details on the application process and requirements, visit Canada's immigration website.

What are the processing times for the Employer-Specific Work Permit Program (EMPP)?

Current information on processing times for the Employer-Specific Work Permit Program (EMPP) is limited, as most available data focuses on application inventories and backlogs within the immigration system. For the latest updates on processing times and to manage your application, visit the IRCC website.

آیا IRCC پرونده‌های عقب افتاده را بررسی می‌کند؟

بله، اداره مهاجرت کانادا (IRCC) در حال بررسی حدود ۲ میلیون پرونده عقب افتاده است که شامل پرونده‌های اقامت دائم، تابعیت و ویزاهای موقت می‌شود. اگر پرونده شما به عنوان عقب افتاده شناسایی شده است، می‌توانید وضعیت آن را از طریق وب‌سایت IRCC پیگیری کنید، با این اداره تماس بگیرید یا مدارک جدیدی که ممکن است به پرونده شما کمک کند ارسال کنید. توجه داشته باشید که بررسی این پرونده‌ها ممکن است زمان‌بر باشد.

What are the processing times for spousal and adult child sponsorship?

Processing times for spousal sponsorship under the Family Reunification program typically range from 12 to 24 months, with decisions expected between November 2025 and November 2026. For adult children, the processing times are generally similar, also falling within the 12 to 24 month range. Both applications submitted on November 24, 2024, may follow these timelines. Actual processing times can vary based on application volume and individual case circumstances.

When can I expect PR after applying for family reunification?

If you applied for permanent residency under the Family Reunification program on November 24, 2024, processing times vary by category. For spousal sponsorship, expect a decision between November 2025 and November 2026, typically taking 12 to 24 months. For dependent children, decisions usually occur within 6 to 12 months, between May 2025 and November 2025. Sponsoring parents or grandparents may take over 24 months, with decisions likely after November 2026. These timelines are estimates and can vary based on individual circumstances.

How can I contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada directly?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not provide direct email communication for individual inquiries. To contact them, visit the official IRCC website and navigate to the 'Contact Us' section for detailed information. You can also reach them by phone if you are in Canada, utilize their online chat service when available, or send documents to the specified mailing addresses on their website. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the official IRCC website.

How can I contact the Canada Immigration Department directly?

Direct email addresses for the Canada Immigration Department (IRCC) cannot be provided. The best way to contact IRCC is through their official website, where you can find updated contact information and communication methods. You can also reach them by phone if you are in Canada, use online chat options if available, or submit inquiries through their online contact forms. These methods will help you connect with IRCC to address your questions.

What is the processing time for PR under the Family Reunification program?

The processing time for permanent residency applications under Canada's Family Reunification program varies based on the type of application. Spousal sponsorship typically takes 12 to 24 months, while sponsorship of dependent children generally takes 6 to 12 months. Sponsorship of other family members, such as parents or grandparents, can exceed 24 months. These timelines may fluctuate due to application volume and processing capacity, so it is advisable to check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for the most current information.

What is the processing time for PR for asylum seekers in family reunification?

The processing time for Permanent Residency (PR) applications for asylum seekers under the family reunification system varies widely. It can take several months to a few years, depending on factors such as case complexity, application volume, and the applicant's specific circumstances. Asylum seekers may need to resolve their asylum claims before applying for PR through family reunification. For the most accurate and current information, consult the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or contact their office directly.

How to contact Canadian immigration if my email is inactive?

If your email used for submitting documents to Canadian immigration is inactive, you can still reach out through other methods. Visit the official IRCC website and use the online contact form to submit your inquiries. If you are in Canada, you can call the phone numbers listed on the IRCC website to speak with representatives about your case status. Additionally, some services may offer online chat support. For sending documents, use the mailing addresses provided on the website. If possible, you can also visit an IRCC office in person to check your application status.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.